Current status: Answered by Ivan McKee on 1 May 2025
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the cost-effectiveness of continuing to maintain large office buildings such as Victoria Quay, St Andrew’s House and Saughton House, in light of their reportedly low average desk occupancy.
The Scottish Government estate is under review to allow us to plan for affordable, inclusive, accessible, modern, secure, energy efficient buildings of the right size to meet our changing needs and net zero ambitions, as well as to ensure best value for taxpayers’ money.
All opportunities for sharing with other public bodies are considered in line with the Single Scottish Estate programme. A number of Location Based Reviews have been progressed in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Inverness, Perth, and Ayr, together with a review of interim strategy for Glasgow in preparation for the Glasgow Office Project. The Location Based Reviews will identify opportunities for sharing across the Public Sector Estate.
We are actively engaged in discussions with other Public Bodies on their accommodation requirements and exploring colocation options with them to maximise the effective use of estate and exiting buildings and leases where appropriate.